Thing 2: Workflow- Get Off This iPad!

One of the biggest obstacles many people face when using iPads in an instructional setting is how to get student-created content off of the iPad.  iPads were not designed to be a multi-user tablet, this can lead to work flow frustration.  In this topic, you will explore several different ways to get content off of the iPad and into the teacher’s or student's hands.  In Alief ISD, there are several options we will use to ensure student content is not stuck on the iPads forever.  Let’s explore these options.

eChalk

Your eChalk account has several features which will be useful when students need to submit content to be graded and/or evaluated.  The most basic feature available is the Discussion forum located on your eChalk class page.  Using this forum, students are able to submit attachments (documents, presentations, pictures, etc.) and post web links to content that was created online.  This can be an especially useful tool when students are using the iPad in an independent setting.  In order to utilize this feature to improve your iPad workflow with your students, you must have an active class page and your students need active accounts. 

Blogs

Another very useful resource for getting content off of the iPads is through the use of a blog.  Using a class blog for workflow will allow students to post web links for content that was created online.   Another advantage of creating a class blog is that students can interact with each other in a variety of different ways while using the iPads.  They can discuss and respond to activities, videos, and other instructional content.  There are some great websites that offer free blogs that you can use with students.  We recommend using KidBlog or Blogger. 

Kidblog (www.kidblog.com)

Kidblog offers free blogs for teachers.  This is especially useful for students at lower grade levels or students who may not be ready to follow and/or comment on a teacher driven blog without assistance.  Kidblog allows teachers to create accounts which students can use to comment & post from. With teacher support, students are also able to create their own blogs in this website.

Blogger (www.blogger.com)

Blogger is a service offered through Google.  This means that as a teacher, you can use your Alief ISD Google account to create a blog to use with your class.  (Just follow the steps you took to create your 13 Things blog.) Students are able to comment on anything  posted to your class blog.  If you teach students in intermediate through high school, each student will has access to their own Alief ISD Google account.  This means,  if they are ready, students can create their own blogs,.

When blogging with students, it is always important to remember internet safety.  Students should never use their first and last name on a blog.  They should keep all personal information including address, location, etc. private.  If you plan to use a blog with your students, be sure to review the RUP guidelines and documents students sign each year.  If you need a copy of this document, it can be found here.

Google Drive

If your students are in grades 5^{th -} 12^th, they each has their own Google Drive account that can be accessed through their eChalk account.  When your students access their Google Drive accounts, they will be able to upload documents to their Google Drive.  This is a great feature to use and promote when students are using iPads independently to complete assignments and/or projects. As they complete different components of a project, they can save those items by uploading them to their Google Drive.  This is especially helpful for projects that involve pictures and other forms of media. 

In order to utilize this feature, to improve your iPad workflow with your students, you must have an active class page and your student accounts must be activated. 

Edmodo

One of the most convenient ways to get content off of the iPad is by using Edmodo.  The apps that are loaded onto the iPads are compatible with Edmodo, which makes uploading files a quick and simple process. Edmodo is also pre-loaded onto the iPads, so it can be used right away.  You will need to create an Edmodo account to utilize this feature.  Currently, Edmodo is the best option for use in the primary and elementary grades since those students do no have eChalk accounts.  Click here to learn more about Edmodo.  If you are interested in learning more about this platform, the Instructional Technology department will be offering ongoing training classes.  Please register for those course through Eduphoria.

Why Does it Matter?

Getting content off the iPad is especially important in this multi-user environment.  Unlike a desktop computer, iPads have no login information so they are not user-specific.  Any content that is placed on an iPad can be used, seen, and/or deleted by anyone who uses that same iPad.  In situations where students may be using iPads before school, during lunch, or after school there is often no way to ensure that content will remain on an iPad until the student returns the next day.  There is also no guarantee that the student will get to use the same iPad on Thursday that was used on Monday.  For this reason, it is imperative that we remind our students and train them to save their content in a more secure fashion. 

In this course, we will use the blogging process described above to move your content off of the iPad and submit it for evaluation. 

Assignment:

In your "Thing 2" blog post, reflect on the different ways to get the content created on an iPad off of the device and into another location.  In 1-2 paragraphs, discuss which method(s) you would use with your students.  Be sure to include why you chose that method, and what you can do to ensure the effectiveness of using this method with your students.